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Gov Soludo and Anambra LG Elections: A Promise Kept
By Christian ABURIME
In governance, there are the run-of-the-mill politicians, and there are progressive leaders. The former often make electoral promises that citizens take with a pinch of salt, as such promises may never be fulfilled. Yet, the latter belong to a class of progressive minds who make promises and fulfil them, believing that true leadership is about integrity and accountability.
The progressive, trustworthy class of leaders is undoubtedly where the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, belongs.
Governor Soludo is a leader who walks the talk. During his campaign and before he became the governor, he already made a promise to hold local government elections in a state where such elections had not been conducted in a long time. Yet, impatient opposition politicians went to town making baseless allegations that the governor did not want to hold the LG elections. Dealing with institutional issues and legal frameworks which needed to be put in place first, before the conduct of the elections, the governor had already fixed December this year for the election before the recent Supreme Court judgment mandating LG elections with immediate urgency across the country to give effect to the LG autonomy ruling.
Here we are, and the LG elections will be held in Anambra State this Saturday, September 28, 2024. Governor Soludo’s speech at the recent APGA Mega Rally clearly confirms his commitment to progressive leadership, particularly by promptly complying with the Supreme Court ruling as a law-abiding leader. His address at the APGA rally goes further to highlight his achievements as an APGA governor and also reflects his deep-rooted belief in grassroots governance and empathy for the underprivileged and uncompromising democratic values.
In his speech, Governor Soludo specifically emphasized that this upcoming elections mark a “promise made, promise kept,” reflecting his determination to restore democratic processes at the local level after years of stagnation. The last local government elections in Anambra were held in 2014, and as the Soludo administration is set to conduct elections on September 28, 2024, he is demonstrating a progressive approach to governance and accountability.
Beyond the politics of the elections, Governor Soludo’s belief in local government administration as a vehicle for grassroots development has already been evident throughout his tenure. He articulated that local governance is crucial for fostering community engagement and addressing the specific needs of Anambra residents. By prioritising local elections, he reaffirms his identity as a grassroots leader, committed to ensuring that the voices of ordinary citizens are heard and represented in governance. His administration has also introduced innovative structures to enhance local governance, such as community involvement in decision-making processes, thereby empowering citizens at the grassroots level.
A remarkable attribute of Governor Soludo’s leadership is his continuing empathetic disposition towards the downtrodden and marginalized in society. He has consistently advocated for policies that uplift the poor, including free education initiatives and healthcare programmes benefiting thousands of women and children in the state. His administration’s focus on human capital development, training youth for digital jobs, clearly shows a responsive approach aimed at creating opportunities for all Anambra citizens, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This commitment to inclusivity aligns with his vision of leaving no one behind in Anambra’s development narrative.
As a proven democrat, Governor Soludo’s emphasis on democratic principles is another cornerstone of his leadership style. He has reiterated his conviction in free and fair elections, assuring citizens that their votes will count. His call for active participation in the electoral process reflects a genuine commitment to democratic values. By encouraging citizens to engage in grassroots politics and emphasizing transparency in governance, the governor proves himself as a true democrat who values the opinions and choices of his constituents.
Beyond these progressive attributes, Governor Soludo’s vision for Anambra encompasses extensive infrastructural development and economic transformation. His administration has made a significant impact in road construction and technological advancement, aiming to position Anambra as a hub for innovation and economic growth. The ambitious projects like the Silicon Valley-model initiative illustrate his forward-thinking approach aimed at harnessing technology for state development.
Thus, as Ndi Anambra go to the poll this Saturday, they can cast their votes for APGA candidates again across the LG areas and wards, having the assurance that APGA is the party of the people and Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo remains a leader they can trust through his commitment to grassroots governance, empathy towards marginalised communities, dedication to democratic principles, and visionary initiatives aimed at transforming Anambra State.
News
Generator fumes suspected for death of UNN students
Strong indications has emerged that the use of a generator in a poorly ventilated environment may have caused the death of some students of the University of Nigeria, Nssuka.
The suspicion emerged after a survivor of the incident disclosed that a generator was operating outside the corridor of the apartment where they gathered, while the doors and windows remained shut.
According to the 24-year-old survivor, an Art Education student, about 10 people attended the party organised by his friend, David, to celebrate the completion of his final examinations.
The gathering reportedly started around 11:30 a.m. at the host’s residence in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, with participants sharing alcoholic drinks and playing Truth or Dare.
Recounting his experience, the survivor said he suddenly lost consciousness after helping one of the participants who had vomited and returning to clean the floor.
He disclosed that his legs had become stiff and he could no longer walk before eventually passing out. The student said he regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., only to discover that his friends were lying motionless on the floor.
“When I regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., I heard someone saying that the host was shaking. I woke up and managed to look into the parlour, where I saw the host and other participants lying on the floor,” he recounted.
He said he subsequently contacted friends for assistance, before one of them eventually helped convey the affected students to Bishop Shanahan Hospital and other medical facilities in Nsukka.
The survivor further explained that the apartment was poorly ventilated, with the doors and windows shut, while a generator was running outside in the corridor. A fan was also operating inside the room.
News
Speed Darlington begs Burna Boy to drop case
Nigerian singer, Darlington Okoye popularly known as Speed Darlington, has apologised to Grammy-winning musician, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, asking him to withdraw the charges against him and promising to stop making comments about his sexuality.
Speed Darlington made the appeal in a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, in which he expressed regret over the pain and embarrassment he might have caused the singer.
“This video is for Burna Boy. Burna, this is an apology video. I apologise for any pain that I have caused you. Any shame that I have caused you,” he said.
The singer admitted that he was wrong to assume that everyone had the same temperament, adding that he wanted an end to their disagreement.
“I made the mistake of thinking that everybody vibrates at the same frequency. That’s wrong of me. I apologise, Burna Boy,” he added.
He further pledged to refrain from making both direct and indirect comments about Burna Boy’s sexuality, making the withdrawal of the charges a condition for his promise.
“I give you my word that if you withdraw all charges and let everything die, I give you my word that I will never make any direct comment regarding your sexuality. “Even indirect comment. I will no longer try sustain. I give you my word. Let peace reign,” he said.
Speed Darlington also promised not to mention the singer’s name again if the legal dispute was resolved.
“I promise I will never use my mouth to mention your name,” he added.
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Why I left Peter Obi- Yinusa Tanko
Yinusa Tanko, former national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, says he experienced a betrayal of trust and loyalty in Peter Obi’s camp, which led to his exit from the movement.
Tanko spoke on Thursday shortly after his unveiling as the coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential campaign council.
Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP), appointed Tanko as national coordinator of the Obidient Movement in September 2024, following a consensus to zone the position to the north.
He was later redeployed as Obi’s political adviser (north), a position he held until October 30, when he resigned.
However, Tanko said he never wanted to leave Obi’s camp, insisting that he was pushed out rather than choosing to exit the movement.
Tanko said although he appreciated the opportunity to serve Obi, he could not remain in a political group where his contributions were no longer valued.
“Well, you know, as you move along in politics, there may be a time when your group does not want you, does not need you or does not appreciate what you do,” he said.
“You don’t stay where you are being tolerated; you go where you are appreciated.
“As far as I’m concerned, I appreciate all the work I have done, and I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity. But the only thing I have suffered in that particular movement is betrayal of trust and betrayal of loyalty.”
Tanko said he served the former Anambra governor with diligence, honesty and integrity, adding that he still held him in high regard despite the circumstances surrounding his departure.
“Everybody knows that I have served with diligence, determination, honesty and integrity. That was how I served Peter Obi, and I continue to respect him,” he said.
“But now, since they don’t want me, people who appreciate me have picked me from the dustbin and made me a bride.”
Asked whether Obi would be pleased to see him in another political party, Tanko said he could not determine what was on the former governor’s mind.
“You cannot say what is on his mind; only he can speak for himself,” he said.
He added that his new political associates had recognised his contributions to nation-building and offered him another opportunity to serve.
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